WSU, Pac 12 to review claims coach abused players

Share this story

PULLMAN, Wash. (AP) - Washington State President Elson Floyd has called for a review of claims of abusive behavior by coach Mike Leach and his staff toward players by wide receiver Marquess Wilson.

The decision by Floyd comes one day after Wilson quit the team. Wilson says he left the program because of the actions of Leach and his staff. Wilson says the new staff has "preferred to belittle, intimidate and humiliate us," and that included physical abuse.

Floyd said in a statement Sunday morning that after consultation with Athletic Director Bill Moos, he asked the athletic department to report findings and conclusions as soon as possible. Floyd says reviews from both the Pac-12 and the athletic department "should get to the bottom of the matter."

Leach is in his first season as Washington State coach after spending two years out of coaching. He spent 10 seasons as Texas Tech coach before being fired in 2009 after claims of mistreatment from a player.

In a statement issued Saturday night, Moos said it was unfortunate that Wilson decided to quit.

"I believe I join many Cougars in wishing Marquess well in his future endeavors," Moos said. "We have procedures in place that were developed to monitor student-athlete welfare in all of our sports programs. "We will continue to follow those procedures and modify them if needed."

Wilson, a junior, set school single-season records last year with 82 receptions and 1,388 yards receiving. This season, he leads the team with 52 receptions for 813 yards.